Covesion is pleased to announce its involvement in a new research initiative titled: ‘Single photon flash LIDAR in the mid infrared spectral region for imaging in challenging environments.’ The project is being led by Fraunhofer UK and forms part of a wider national programme to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum technologies across the United Kingdom. As part of this programme, the Government has announced that fourteen projects will share £14 million through Innovate UKs Quantum Sensing Mission Primer awards. The Single photon flash LIDAR project is one of the selected initiatives, reflecting its strong potential to advance practical quantum sensing for real world use.
The project will research a new flash LIDAR system capable of operating in the mid-infrared region while achieving single photon sensitivity. This combination offers the potential to deliver imaging and ranging performance in environments where conventional systems struggle, including those affected by smoke, fog, dust or other visibility limitations. By demonstrating that high speed and high sensitivity imaging can be achieved in these conditions, the project supports a range of application areas such as autonomous navigation, defence surveillance, industrial inspection and emergency response.
The national funding provided through the Quantum Sensing Mission Primer awards highlights the Government’s commitment to ensuring that quantum research translates into deployable technologies that benefit both industry and the public sector. The Single photon flash LIDAR initiative sits within this mission by taking promising laboratory techniques and proving that they can operate reliably in real world scenarios.
Covesion will apply its expertise in non-linear optics, particularly in frequency upconversion and bespoke crystal manufacture, to the development of key components within the system. This includes contributing to the design and fabrication of photonic elements required to support single photon detection in the mid-infrared region. These elements will play a central role in enabling the performance required for operation in challenging environments. Through close collaboration with Fraunhofer UK, and other partners including, BAE, Thales, QinetiQ, Leonardo and Photon Force Ltd the project will integrate component development, system engineering and application testing.
Alongside technical development, the project will also investigate the pathway to commercial adoption. This will involve engaging with early adopters, examining manufacturing options and identifying future investment and development opportunities. By bringing together research institutions, industry partners and end users, the consortium is working to shorten the distance between scientific capability and deployable technology.
Through its contribution to the Single photon flash LIDAR project, Covesion continues to support the advancement of the United Kingdom’s quantum technology capabilities and the development of next generation photonics and sensing solutions.
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